‘Digital Square’ to Bring Inclusive, Technology-Driven Learning to Kerala Schools

Kerala has launched ‘Digital Square’, a new initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide and integrating technology into foundational education across lower and upper primary schools in the state.

Developed by KITE (Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education), the technology wing of the General Education Department, the programme seeks to ensure that young learners gain early exposure to digital tools and develop the skills needed to navigate an increasingly technology-driven world. It is also designed to make digital learning more inclusive and accessible to students from different backgrounds.

General Education Minister N Samsudheen inaugurated the programme and a statewide orientation workshop for school heads in Malappuram. More than 4,000 headmasters and headmistresses from all 14 districts participated through an interactive video conference.

Under Digital Square, government and aided primary schools with the necessary hardware infrastructure will receive a dedicated Free and Open Source Software (FOSS)-based learning environment. The package includes the GCompris edutainment suite, language-learning tools such as e-Cube, and applications for music, digital painting and animation.

The initiative will help students learn through interactive and gamified methods, making classroom education more engaging while encouraging creativity, independent learning and digital literacy. Children will also be introduced to Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) concepts from the primary level, helping them explore technology and creative skills at an early age. Accessibility features such as audio assistance and high-contrast interfaces will support visually impaired students and Children with Special Needs, promoting equal access to digital education.

KITE CEO K Anvar Sadath said the FOSS-based package would provide students with high-quality digital learning tools without commercial lock-in, along with filtering mechanisms and digital safeguards. The launch is part of the government's 100-day action plan for education, which also includes the Cyber Safety Protocol 2026, ‘Tharapadham’ academic monitoring platform, ‘School Wiki-thon’ campaign and plans to expand ‘Little KITEs’ IT clubs to upper primary schools.